Combined carrying means and latch



' June 21, 1960 E. YSILVERMAN 2,941,637

COMBINED CARRYING MEANS AND LATCH Filed June 24, 1957 INVENTOR. [MANUEL5/4 VfkMA/V operable by the latter,

United States Patent-O "ic 2,941,637

COMBINED CARRYING MEANS AND LATCH Emanuel Silverman, 23301 Kipling, OakPark, Mich.

Filed June 24, 1957, Ser. No. 667,420

9 Claims. (Cl. 190-55) This invention relates to latch mechanisms ordevices for article-carrying containers or the like and particularly tosuch mechanisms including as a part thereof operating means that mayserve as the carrying media.

It is known to provide carrying containers such as brief cases andpocket books with a handle or strap by which they may be convenientlycarried, and with a separately manipulatible pressure releasable snapcatch or latch for the closure member or members. These catches and thelike have usually been composed of intricate fitting parts requiringspecial tools to make and assemble and have been costly. Moreover, theycould not always be depended upon to hold and have often been awkward torelease. They have also been the cause of many broken finger nails.

The present invention aims to overcome these prior problems and providea dependable inexpensive container latch mechanism of positive characterthat is easily operable and wherein the container-carrying element maybe the latch operator.

An object of my invention is to provide a container with a closure latchmechanismin which the latch is an Patented June 21, 1960 2 shown havinga pair of closure members. held in latched position;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the structure in Figure 1; Figure 4 is anelevational view partly in section of the structure in Figure 1 showingthe carrying element in collapsed position and latches released; Figure5 is an elevational view of the preferred combination carrying strap andlatch of my invention sepa integral part of the carrying element for thecontainer and Another object is to provide a combination latch andcarrying strap for containers and the like composed entirely ofresilient plastic material.

A further object is to provide a container with a closure latchmechanism and carrying element operably interconnected.

Still another object is to provid e mechanism of the character of thepreceding objects in which the latch and carrying element are bothexternally of the container.

A particular object is to provide a combination latch and carryingelement for a container having a closure member to be held in closedposition by the latch and which requires no operating parts on theclosure member.

Another specific object is to provide a combination latch and carryingelement for a container having a closure member to be held in closedposition by the latch which latchesthe closure member only when theelement is in container-carrying position.

A further object is to provide a structure as in the preceding objectincluding means for locking the element in latching and carryingposition.

Another object is to provide a strap-like carrying element for acontainer having a closure member to beheld in closed position duringcarrying of the container which element includes a closure latchingportion at one end operable to latching position by pulling up on thecarrying element and operable to release said latch by collapsing thecarrying element.

Other objects and advantages of my invention Will appear from thefollowing description and from the drawingsillustrating, withoutlimitation thereto, a preferred embodiment of my invention and wherein:

Figure l is an elevational view showing a portion of a container towhich the combination latch and carrying element and other features ofmy invention has been I applied;

'Figure 2 is an end. view of my invention in Figure 1 rated from thecontainer;

Figure 6 is an end view of the structure of Figure 5; Figure 7 is abottom view of the structure of Figure 5 looking in the direction of thearrows 7--7 in Figure 5; Figure 8 is an end view looking in thedirection of the arrows 8 8 in Figure 4, of the structure of my inven{tion in the latch releasing condition shown in Figure 4 and showing thepair of closure members swung away from the body of the container onhinges not shown; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modification. i p In thedrawing illustrating my invention and wherein similar numerals representcorresponding parts of the structure, the numeral 10 generally connotesan articlecarrying container of any suitable material preferably metalor rigid plastic comprising a body structure 12.defining a chamber 14closed by a pair of closure members or panels 16, 18 suitably supportedfor instance by hinges or other means (not shown) so as to bedisplaceable relative to the body structure 12 to render the chamber 14accessible. It willbe understood that the containermay have a singleclosure member if desired.

means or element generally referred to by the numeral 120, preferablysupported on the body structure 12 by mounting means generallydesignated by the numeral 22.

,The element 20 includes a container carrying strap or handle portion 24and a latch portion 26. preferably integrally and resiliently connectingwith the portion 24, at

28 (see Figure 5) in a predetermined angular relationship such that whenpressure is applied to the handleportion 24 which constitutes theoperating means for the container chamber 14 accessible. As shown, Ipreferably provide a latch portion at each end of the handle 24, itbeing understood however, that in many applications a 7 single latchportion 26 will sufiice.

In the preferred form the element 20 may be pre- 4 formed, as seen inFigures 5 to 7 inclusive as a continuous one-piece, prefer-ablyresilient structure, of predetermined shape and of suitable shaperetaining material,

for instance, spring metal and preferably a synthetic plastic, such .aspolyethylene plastic. The handle portion 24 is preferably of elongatedstrap-like character and may be of uniform thickness throughout. It ispreferably of slightly bow-shape, high at the mid portion for advantagesin manipulation, although it could be substantially flat. The latchportion 26 has a main section 30 extending upwardly and outwardly fromthe portion 24 at the region of connection 28 and forming an includedobtuse angle with the top side of the strap portion 24 and an acuteangle with the lower side thereof. Stated otherwise, the main sections30 of the latch portions 26 diverge upwardly from the handle portion 24.The latch portion also as shown in Figures 3 and 7, forms a T-shape withthe handle portion 24.

The main sections 30 of the latch portions 26 have a downwardlyprojecting latching finger or leg 32 at each side thereof forming withthe section 30 a structure of inverted U shape. The fingers .32 arepreferably spaced A a same apart the thickness "of the container overthe closure members 16 and 18 and project vertically downwardly fromthesections, 30 a sufiicientr distance to. provide a holding face ofample *ai-ea. Assh'own', the planeof each finger 32 is substantiallynormal to that of theses tion '30 and for reasons which will becomeapparentgthe onter ortien of the fingers 32 Willtap'er'somewhat fromadjacent their connections with the section 3,0 to their lower, i.e.outer ends. Described otherwise, the fingers 32 are of generallyrectangular shape and have their outer corners 34 remote from the outerend of the pertions 26 removed to provide clearance for the closuremembers 16, 18 in swinging by when the latches are released as will beevident from Figures 4 and 8.

. It will be understood that -when there is only one closuremember, oneof the latching fingers 32 of each latch portion 26 may be omitted.However, it is found that hotter latching and freedom 'frot'n'distortionresults when twg'ar'euseatne 'o'nen'ot serving as a latching acting as a:further guide for 'thel'atch'in P rtion. It also provides greaterstiffness "for the latch portion, a'feature which may also be obtainedby the transverse end head 36. v

Th mounting 'r'neans 2 2 referably comprises, as best seen in Fi ure 4,a stud-like camm'ing member comprisiifg a head portion 40, a shankportion 42 and a threaded end 43, thelat terbeing th'readedly receivedin the body structure 12 for securing'ther'neans 22 thereto and being bflmse'r diameter than the shank portion 42 so to produce a mountnigshoulder forthis means. The shank Lpbrtion 42 is received through an'elongated'slot 44 in P 011 the 'p n 4 and in. par on th tion 30 of thelatch portion 26. The shank portion "42 or sl ghtly lesser diameter thanthe width of the'slot 44 to 'faciliate sliding movement or the strap.The'sh nk portion is also of slightly greater height than the thick-.ne'sS of "the strap 24 to facilitate changes in latch plosi- 'tion. Thehead portion 40 may be of hexagonal or other shape and 'suflicientlylarger than theshank 42 diameter to provide portions overlapping theslots 44 that'rletain the handle in position and that also'serve as 'asuitable 'g'uide-and cam face for the latch portion in endwise'shifh ingof thelatchportmn 2 6. s 'Referring now to Figures 1 m4 and -8 itfwillbe seen 'fll at'when the strap 24 is pulled'up as seen in Figure 1,

that the fingers 32 of the latch portions 26 overlap the l 'losuremember 16 and 18 and confine these members between them in their closedpositions on the container, "i.e., with the members 16 and 18 inabutment with the lb ody structure 12. 'In this .position the Shanks 42of the mounting means22 are in the latch portions of the slots, 44 andthe sections 30 of the latch portions Z6 are substantially abutted withthe top face 46 of the hfodystructure 12, In the stated "condition thecontainer may be carried about as longas desired without fear "70f theclosure member's becoming accidentally or other- Wise unlocked.

When, however, the strap portion 24 is flattened or pushed down as inFigures 4 and 5, and during which faction the latch portions are shiftedendwise relative to the mounting means 22 as permitted by the slots 44,

the latch portions assume their natural angular position It will beobserved that in this position When the strap prtion24 of the'element 20is'again pulled up as in Figure 1, themain'section 30 of thelatch'portions will in effect he camme'd downwardly-of thehead portions40 of 'the mounting' means 22 into latch- -ing position as "there shown.7

tion.

For some applications it may be desired to lock the latch 26 in itsholding positions and/or to keep the carrying strap 24 raised. -For thispurpose I provide a locking means generally designated by the numeral 50and comprising a generallyifiat lver 52-hinged on a stud 54 s c red. toth body s uct re 1. p eferably 0 1 the longitudinal axis 21 of theelement 20, and which in lockingipositions has-its own longitudinal axiscoincident with the axis 21. The lever 52 includes an operating finger55 and a. locking head 56, these portions being on opposite sides, ofthe axis of the stud 54.- The head portion 56 will preferably be of nogreater thickness than the strap 24 for clearance purposes (see Figure4) when the latch 26 is released. As seen in Figure 3 when thelongitudinal axis of the lever "52 is aligned'with the axis 21 ofelement 20, the outer edge '60 of the, head portion 56 of the lever'willbear against the outer end wall 61 of the main section 30 of the latchportion'26 and will prevent the handle from collapsing to release thelatch. It is preferred that the edge 66 of the lever parallel to edge 61over part of the width of the lever and that it have rounded corners '62which cause a slight compression of the end portion of the latch portion26 upon contacting the'edge 61 when the lever is swung into lockingposition by reason of the greater distance of the corners 62 from theaxis of the stud 54 than between the latter and the edge '60. When thiscompression is released, the to wedges "and 61 will abut each other.While I have only shown one locki g mean t i l b unde s ood h therema'yb en: t ach e d,

When thelever 52 is swung 'by itsfinger 55 to a position :90 to thelongitudinal axis of the handle i.e., transversely of the container asseen in Figure 4, the handle 24 may be collapsed as there shown and thelatch portion 26 will pass over the locking n eans50 and release theclosure members 16, '18 as will be evident from this fig re nd Fi re 8.

From the foregoing description of my invention it will be evident that Ihave made a novel latch and carrying means of -unique character welladapted for its intended use and that has general application. It willbe understood that various substitutions, changes and modifications willsuggest themselves tothose skilled in this art without departing-fromthe spirit andintent of'my invent fim q examp e he la hme n m y be s f mthat the fingers 32 project through the body structure 12 as through anopening 70 andhook over (i.e. behind) a P t i n 721 e l su e membe 1 aas s ow in Figure 9, to-retain the samein container closing posi- Theseand all other such changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalentconstructions coming within the scope of the appended :claims aretherefore contemplated.

I'claim:

1. -A latch 'mechanismforanarticle-carrying container and the likehaving a body structure defining a chamber and having a'closure membersupportable on saidbody structure in position for closing said chamberand displaceable' relative to said body structure for said chamber"accessible, comprising an element including alatchportion operable tohold said closure member in position closing said chamber, and a latchoperating portion offset from said latch portion at an obtuse angle"thereto, an elongated slot inpart on said latch portion and in part onsaid operating portion and a camming "same to; snaking said chamber"assessible, and a second position wherein said camming member isengaged with said latch portion of said element and the latter is inholding position relative to said cfosure member efiecting closing ofsaid chamber by said closure element.

2. A latch mechanism for an article-carrying container and the likehaving a body structure defining a chamber and having a closure membersupportable on said body structure in position for closing said chamberand displaceable relative to said body structure for making said chamberaccessible, comprising an element including a latch portion having amain section and having a latching finger in downwardly projectingrelationship to said main sect-ion, and a latch operating portion inresilient connection with said main section and normally at asubstantial angle thereto, said main section and latch operating portioncontaining an elongated slot extending over part of each thereof and astud mounted on said body structure having a shank extending throughsaid slot and having a head portion straddling said slot and retainingsaid main section and operating portion to said body structure, saidelement being movable in a direction lengthwise of said slot from afirst portion wherein said head portion of said stud is engaged withsaid operating portion but not with said main section to a secondposition wherein said head portion is engaged with said main section butnot with said operating portion and said head portion being adapted insaid movement of said element to deflect said main section from aposition wherein said latching finger is in releasing position relativeto said closure member to a position wherein it is in holding positionrelative to said closure member.

3. A latching mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein said latchportion has a pair of transversely spaced latching fingers.

4. A latching mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is a pair oflatching portions having their main sections in resilient connectionwith opposite ends of the operating portion.

5. A combination carrying strap and latch for an article carryingcontainer and the like having a body structure and a side memberpivotally mounted with respect to the latter and movable from a positionof substantial abutment with the body structure wherein the container isclosed to an open position away from the body structure whereby thecontainer is rendered accessible, comprising a preformed strap-likeelement of resilient material having a central elongated hand gripportion, and opposite end portions normally extending divergently fromsaid central portion, said end port-ions each having opposite side wingsforming an inverted U-shape with said end portions, and there being anelongated, slot on said element adjacent each end thereof and pin meansmounting said element to said body structure through said slots, saidelement being operable for latching said side member of -the containerin closing position by pulling up on said grip portion and causing saidpin means to cam said end portions toward said body structure wherebysaid side wings are moved toward said body portion and straddle saidbody and side member to hold the side member in closed position.

6. A carrying case comprising a body structure defining a chamber; apair of closure members hingedly secured to said body structure andadapted to close opposite sides of said body structure when in abuttingrelationship therewith; a combination carrying member and latch fortransporting said case and holding said closure members in closedposition comprising an element having a pair of latching portionsoperable to hold said closure members in chamber closing position, and alatch operating portion having a resilient connection with said latchingportions; and means mounting said element to said body structure, saidelement having a slotted portion through which said element is mountedby said mounting means and facilitating operation of said latchingportions by said latch operating portion from a position holding 6 saidclosure members in chamber closing position to one releasing saidclosure members.

7. A latch mechanism for an article-carrying container and the likehaving a body structure defining a chamber and having a closure membersupportable on said body structure in substantial abutting relationshiptherewith for closing said chamber and displaceable relative to saidbody structure for making said chamber accessible, comprising anelongated element having a latch portion for holding said closure memberin chamber closing position, and an operator operable portion inresilient connection with said latch portion and normally at asubstantial angle thereto, a camming member securing said latch portionand operating portion of said element to said body structure, saidelement being movable in a direction lengthwise of said element from afirst position wherein said camming member is engaged with saidoperating portion but not with said latch portion to a second positionwherein said camming member is engaged with said latch portion but notwith said operating portion, and said camming member being adapted insaid movement of said element to deflect said latch portion from aposition wherein said latch portion is in releasing position relative tosaid closure member to a position wherein it is in holding positionrelatve to said closure member.

8. A latch mechanism as claimed in claim 7 including a locking membermounted on said container in juxtaposition to a length-wise end of saidelement and operable into abutting relation with said latch portion whenthe latter is in its said holding position.

9. In combination, an article-carrying container having a body structuredefining a chamber and having a closure member supportable on said bodystructure in position for closing said chamber and displaceable relativeto said body structure for making said chamber accessible, said bodystructure having a wall portion defining an opening, a projection onsaid closure member below said opening behind which a finger may bepositioned, and a latch mechanism for retaining said closure member inposition for closing said chamber comprising a latch portion having amain section and a latching finger in downwardly projecting relationshipto said main section, said finger being projectable through said openingin said body structure into position behind said projection for holdingsaid closure member in closed position, a latch operating portion inresilient connection With said main section and normally at asubstantial angle thereto, said main section and latch operating portioncontaining an elongated slot extending over part of each thereof, and astud mounted on said body structure having a shank extending throughsaid slot and having a head portion straddling said slot and retainingsaid main section and operating portion on said body structure, saidlatch mechanism being movable in a direction lengthwise of said slotfrom a first position wherein said head portion of said stud is engagedwith said operating portion thereof but not with said main section, to asecond position wherein said head portion is engaged with said mainsection but not with said operating portion, and said head portion beingadapted in said movement of said latch mechanism to deflect said mainsection from a position wherein said latching finger is disengaged frombehind said projection on said closure member to a position wherein itis in position behind said projection.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS233,908 Appleton Nov. 2, 1880 351,183 Legg Oct. 19, 1886 1,090,678Billig Mar. 17, 1914 2,367,739 Scherer Ian. 23, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS153,181 Great Britain Nov. 4, 1920

